Among the many fruit bushes and berry bushes at Afton Apple Orchard, two photo voltaic arrays have sprouted. One rooftop array put in on a workshop in 2018 is now complemented by a bigger 79-kW array atop a barn just lately added to the property. All Vitality Photo voltaic, a full-service photo voltaic vitality resolution supplier, designed and put in the techniques to offer clear vitality on-site on the household owned and operated orchard situated in Hastings, Minnesota.
Nestled within the Saint Croix River Valley on about 250 acres, Afton Apple produces Minnesota-grown crops past apples, together with raspberries, pumpkins and extra. The grounds are a seasonal vacation spot for family-friendly actions like pick-your-own produce, a corn maze, a playground and a petting farm. The retail retailer sells cider, pies, jams and different gadgets, along with pre-picked fruit and veggies.
“The Femling Household and workers at Afton Apple Orchard have all the time embraced sustainability, the idea of giving again, and doing good by the neighborhood. Supporting their property with photo voltaic not solely helps Afton Apple considerably cut back their vitality consumption from the grid, but additionally showcases their environmental dedication to hundreds of holiday makers every year, ” stated Michael Thalhimer, director of enterprise improvement at All Vitality Photo voltaic. “This challenge was necessary to the Femlings; we’re thrilled to assist the enterprise and its mission to scale back its dependence on fossil gasoline vitality.”
The array will energy many of the electrical energy wants supporting the orchard’s retail retailer, equipment, lighting, refrigeration and outbuildings.
“Curiosity in our photo voltaic challenge was initially pushed by my husband, Frank, who all the time believed in renewables and appeared for tactics to make our operation extra environment friendly, to save lots of on prices,” stated Cindy Femling, proprietor of Afton Apple. “Frank’s legacy was to arrange the orchard for achievement for our youngsters, and finishing this photo voltaic challenge has been a giant a part of that effort.”
The photo voltaic set up helps Afton Apple’s dedication to minimizing the orchard’s environmental footprint whereas rising high-quality produce to maintain the farm economically viable.
Information merchandise from All Vitality Photo voltaic
